Lock

Locks
A lock is a device used to actuate or control access. The actual lock rarely holds anything shut--that is the duty of the bolt or latch the lock controls. Most locks have keys that are used to operate the lock, while some have combinations or electronic sensors that unlock the lock. There several major categories of locks, based on design. Some locks incorporate extra security features, but still fall under a general umbrella category. The types are pin-tumbler, wafer, lever, combination (wheel) and combination (dial).

pin-tumbler
Pin-Tumbler locks are commonly found in padlocks and doors. Some have keys oriented so the thin part of the key interacts with the pins. These are simply called pin-tumbler. Some have keys oriented so that the flat side of the key interacts with the pins. These are called dimple locks, because the "cuts" in the key are dimples in the flat side of the key.

wafer
Wafer locks behave a lot like pin-tumbler locks, only instead of pins, they have flat disks with holes in the center. These disks are placed in grooves in a plug, on top of springs. When the lock is locked, some tumblers protrude from the plug, into a groove in the cylinder, blocking the rotation. when the correct key is inserted, the disks retract into the plug so that it can rotate.

Lever
Lever locks are operated by simultaneously raising several levers to the right height. Each lever has a gate cut in it. The bolt has a stump that goes through each gate. when locked, it the stump will be on one side of the gate; when unlocked on the other side. The key actually moves the bolt while raising the levers.

combination (wheel)
more to come. examples: safe locks with dials, cheap master locks at schools

combination (dial)
more to come. examples: luggage locks, bike locks

This article needs a LOT of work, but i felt this page should at least exist.